The Wisdom of Father Brown by G. K. Chesterton (story books for 5 year olds txt) 📕

Danny and all that. A few laughs about old times. Maria talked most, telling stories of the better days. It was the last time we were all together like that. Until John's wedding.”

“And the wedding was the last time you all saw one another?”

“Yeah. As far as I know. Maybe Phil and John were in contact, but I doubt it. Why all the questions? This really about a DVD?”

“Yeah. Plus, I'm curious. My dad never talked about Danny.”

“I haven't either. I kinda feel like a shit for that. He was a good kid, and I never give him much thought. It was just... easier. But he deserved better than that. His mother's probably the only person that remembers him, thinks about him.”

He was right. Danny Conner deserved better than the ending he got.

Vance sighed. “Hell, I don't even know if she's still alive. Probably not, huh?”

“Maybe she is. One more question.”

“Sure.”

“Maria says you knew about Danny's coke problem.”

“I wouldn't call it a problem. Jesus. Maria always did worry too damn much. But... yeah, I knew. Listen, I didn't know it had gone that far or I would have said something. I would have tried to stop him. He was just depressed sometimes. He was shy as hell and he had a hard time getting girls to notice him. He was a cute kid, so I never got the why of that. The coke helped him relax. When we got to partying, sometimes he'd do a line or two. He never tried to push it on the rest of us and he seemed to be able to put it down without much trouble.”

“Did my father know about Danny using?”

“He had to. We didn't talk about it, but we all knew. Danny had that old watch with him all the time. The case had a flip thingy on the back where he kept the coke.” His voice was quiet when he spoke again. “I've been thinking about him a lot since your visit. Wasn't sure I'd like to, but it's been... nice, remembering back on the good times. I think adding his photo's a good idea.”

“Yeah. I guess I'll do that.”

“You got pictures of Danny, then?”

“Maria has some. She's going to send them to me as soon as she tracks them down.”

“Oh. Could you, maybe, send me a copy?”

“Sure.”

“Thanks. Someone should remember him, huh?”

I opened the front door just after midnight and heard Matthew's purrs and hums and Richard's encouraging words.

“Yes, Matthew, yes. Kid!”

I smirked as I stamped the snow off my shoes and shrugged my coat off. I was just about to head into the living room when a large brown envelope on the hall table caught my eye. It was addressed to me. From Maria Lammon. I wanted to open it, but the moans and grunts were calling to me. I slipped the envelope into my laptop bag and headed in.

They were on the couch with Matthew riding Richard's lap, their bodies crashing together, but both men still dressed and following the rules.

“I spent the night slaving away, and you two get started without me?”

Richard's voice was tight. “Luke, need you. Get over here.”

I stripped and made my way to them. Richard worked to get himself and Matthew undressed. I knelt by the couch, and Richard kissed me over Matthew's shoulder, his tongue getting me as ready as they were.

“The party was good, huh?” I whispered in Matthew's ear.

“Yeah, Luke. You should've seen him. All business. Strong. Confident. Sexy as hell.”

“He is pretty damn hot.”

“Me?” Richard scoffed.

“Yeah,” Matthew said in a low purr. “Your body is unbelievable.”

“You're good for my ego.”

“He's good for both of us,” I said.

Matthew faced me. The surprised look turned grateful as he planted a kiss on my lips. I brought my body close to his and savored the joining of skin on skin and the buildup of arousal.

I reached for a condom, rolled it on Richard, and spread lube over him. I didn't want to let him go, but Matthew was ready. He'd come any moment if I so much as touched his dick.

I moved my hand out of the way, and he sank onto Richard. I slicked my shaft and shoved it into the tight grip of my own hand. I couldn't have stopped myself if I'd wanted to. Not with the way Matthew moved. I timed my movements with the slap of his body onto Richard, my eyes glued to them.

I almost came when Matthew spoke, his voice lower than I'd ever heard. Not his usual cries of pleasure. It was as if he had something to say and he wasn't going to let a moment of sexual release get in the way.

“Richard. Luke. So good to me. So good. Never felt like this. Not about anyone. Ever.”

Richard groaned. His body jerked and bucked off the couch as he slammed inside Matthew one last time. The movements sent Matthew and me over with him.

I slumped onto the floor, my forehead pressing into the couch, my chest heaving. When I could move, I crawled onto the couch next to them.

Matthew had his head buried in the big man's neck. Richard stroked his back with a slow, soothing hand. “You okay, Matthew?”

“Yeah.”

“What you said... that was... it meant a lot to me. You have no idea what it meant.”

“Yeah?”

“Oh, yeah. I've been in a few relationships in my life, but I don't think I've ever felt this much, this fast. Not for anyone. Not as I have for you. Both of you.”

I didn't think. I kissed Richard and landed a soft peck on Matthew's shoulder. “Me too.”

Matthew sighed.

We sat in silence for a few minutes. I was grateful. I couldn't wrap my head around anything we'd said. I didn't want to have to explain more to either of them.

Not until I could explain it to myself.

Chapter Twenty-one

“Damn, is that all you do is work?” Matthew asked.

I saved the opened file and closed my laptop lid. “Actually, I haven't been working as much as